SINGAPORE — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing to deepen economic and strategic cooperation with Singapore during his official visit from October 7 to 11, aiming to draw foreign investments into key national sectors.
Speaking at a media briefing in Singapore on Wednesday, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that the President’s trip—undertaken upon the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong—focuses on expanding partnerships in trade, investment, technology, energy, defense, and emerging areas of bilateral interest.
Castro noted that Marcos will highlight opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, green energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and nuclear safety.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig underscored the critical role of Singaporean investments in boosting local employment and fueling economic growth.
“Ang Singapore po ay isa sa mga pangunahing source ng ating foreign direct investment kaya po—alam ninyo naman kapag may foreign direct investment ay marami pong trabaho na nagagawa, na naidudulot ito sa ating mga kababayan sa Pilipinas,” Macaraig said.
A central element of the trip is Marcos’ participation in the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference, an gathering expected to draw over 450 top global corporate executives. The forum serves as a primary venue for the President to position the Philippines as an attractive investment hub.
Ambassador Macaraig pointed out that Singapore-based firms could leverage expansion into the Philippines to access a broader workforce and secondary operational hubs.
The Palace also addressed inquiries regarding the President’s potential attendance at the Formula 1 Grand Prix as a guest of Prime Minister Wong, with officials clarifying that informal networking complements formal investment drives.
“Imbitado po siya,” Castro stated.
“Hindi ibig sabihin kung pupunta man at manunood ang Pangulo sa imbitasyon ng gobyerno ng pamahalaan sa F1 Grand Prix, hindi nangangahulugan na tatalikuran ng Pangulo kanayang trabaho sa paghikayat sa mga investors na mamuhunan sa bansa,” Castro added.
Addressing potential costs associated with the racing event, Macaraig clarified that Marcos would not require purchased tickets as a personal guest of Prime Minister Wong, noting that official funding covers scheduled engagements like the Forbes conference and institutional visits.
“Imbitasyon niya ni Prime Minister Lawrence Wong,” Macaraig said.
“Just simply being there already presents opportunities,” Macaraig noted, adding, “Mahirap kung mawala tayo doon kasi matatalo tayo sa ibang mga nandoon.”
As part of the official itinerary, Marcos is scheduled to visit the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute to observe best practices as the Philippines evaluates nuclear power integration.
“Inaasahan po natin na makakatulong iyon sa ating bayan kung saka-sakali man na pumasok tayo sa nuclear energy para sa ating mahal na bansa,” Macaraig explained.
Beyond economic deals, the two leaders are set to discuss regional governance and bilateral concerns, particularly with the Philippines holding the ASEAN chairmanship this year ahead of Singapore assuming the bloc’s leadership in 2027.